As we reflect on the origins of Pentecostalism in Cameroon, it becomes clear that this movement did not spring from a single source, nation, or missionary. Rather, God stirred diverse streams of revival, converging across our land to lay the foundations of a powerful Pentecostal awakening. Each stream, whether foreign or indigenous, brought its own anointing, calling, and method, yet all were united by a singular divine purpose: to see Cameroon awakened, transformed, and fully restored in the Spirit of God.
1. The Apostolic Church Cameroon (TACC)
TACC came through the British/Nigerian apostolic Pentecostal tradition. Christian fishermen and migrant workers from Nigeria introduced this movement to the Cameroonian coast around 1949, and it grew rapidly into a structured denomination with assemblies across the nation. Its theology, governance, and expansion reflect the apostolic lineage from the UK and Nigeria, rather than an American or European origin.
2. Full Gospel Mission (FGM)
FGM was introduced to Cameroon in 1961 by German missionaries Rev. Werner Knorr and his wife Helga Knorr, sent from Germany as part of a European evangelical Pentecostal movement. Their work began in Mutengene, South West Province, and laid the foundations for training centres, evangelism, and church planting across the country.
3. The Apostolic Faith Church (AFC)
AFC in Cameroon traces its roots to the American holiness-Pentecostal tradition, originating from Portland, Oregon, USA, out of the historic Azusa Street Revival. AFC emphasises sanctification, revival spirituality, and holy living, and its work in Cameroon is coordinated regionally under the West & Central Africa structure (WECA), impacting communities with a consistent Pentecostal message.
4. Global Frontier Church (GFC)
GFC also originates from the USA, through the Wings of Healing Ministry, which sent missionaries such as Rev. Sydney Scholes to Cameroon in the early 1960s. The work began in Kumba and expanded into the North West, South West, Littoral, and West Regions. Rev. John Konde Nchamba became one of the first indigenous leaders, planting assemblies that continue to flourish to this day.
5. Indigenous Revival Movements
Movements such as the Église du Saint-Esprit emerged in the late 1950s and 1960s, representing home-grown, grassroots Pentecostal initiatives led by Cameroonian believers. These churches were often independent of foreign missionaries and laid the foundation for locally governed assemblies that remain active in spiritual formation and community impact.
These examples illustrate that Pentecostalism in Cameroon is a tapestry woven from multiple streams: British/Nigerian apostolic missions (TACC), German missionary efforts (FGM), American holiness-Pentecostal missions (AFC and GFC), and indigenous revival movements. Each stream brought a unique theology, structure, and spiritual emphasis, contributing to the vibrant, diverse, and God-anointed Pentecostal landscape we see today.
Unity in the Body of Christ does not require uniform origins. Our Pentecostal roots may be diverse, but the core mission remains the same: the revival of Cameroon and the expansion of God’s Kingdom into every town, village, and heart. Differences in origin should not divide us; they should enrich our approach, strengthen our collaboration, and inspire a collective vision of a spiritually awakened nation.
Let this generation of ministers honour the pioneers, steward the streams faithfully, and carry forward the torch of revival until Cameroon is fully ablaze with the glory of God.
— Rev Bobbs Lyonga Elive
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